Sight Assembly

ABSTRACT

Described herein are sight assemblies that can be used, for example, with a firearm. Methods for using the described sight assemblies are also described herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/063,151, entitled “Sight Assembly For a Firearm”, filed Oct. 13, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a sight assembly for a firearm and method for orienting the same that provides functionality in multiple positions or states to facilitate aiming of the firearm. More specifically, the sight assembly of the present invention is movable from a folded state, to a first extended state, and from the first extended state to a second state.

BACKGROUND

People often use an aiming device coupled to a firearm (or to surveying equipment or other apparatuses that require aiming) to assist the user in aligning or aiming the apparatus. In current practice, there are several different types of aiming devices that are used on firearms. For example, scopes (also referred to as optical sights or telescopic sights) use some form of graphic image pattern or reticle mounted in an optically appropriate position in their optical system to give an accurate aiming point. Alternatively, sights can be used to align the firearm by eye using a simple system of markers that have to be aligned together and with the target. Specifically, such sights may include a front sight and a rear sight each with different features that are aligned together during aiming.

In certain circumstances, it may be beneficial to use a scope when the target is a long-range target and to use the sights when the target is a close-range target. Furthermore, in some circumstances, the scope may fail, thereby necessitating the use of the sights for aiming. However, when both a scope and sights are provided on a firearm, the sights may be non-functional due to one or both of the front and rear sights being blocked in the line of sight of the user of the scope.

Therefore, a need exists for a sight assembly that can be used on the firearm in multiple viewing orientations even when a scope is being used on the firearm.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention may provide a sight assembly for a firearm that includes a post that is configured for aiming the firearm. The post is rotatably coupled to a pivot, thereby forming a first movement sub-system. The pivot is rotatably coupled to a base, thereby forming a second movement sub-system. The first movement sub-system allows the post to rotate with respect to the pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm between a folded state and a first extended state. The second movement sub-system allows the post and pivot to rotate with respect to the base about the longitudinal axis between the first extended state and a second extended state different from the first extended state. In a preferred embodiment, in the folded state, the post is folded down against the firearm, in the first extended state, the post is upright, and in the second extended state, the post is offset.

The present invention may further provide a method of orienting a sight assembly for a firearm that includes the steps of providing a sight assembly that has a post that is configured for aiming the firearm where the post is rotatably coupled to a pivot, thereby forming a first movement sub-system, and the pivot is rotatably coupled to a base, thereby forming a second movement sub-system; rotating the post with respect to the pivot via the first movement sub-system about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm between a folded state, in which an axis of the post is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a first extended state, in which an axis of the post is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and rotating the post and the pivot with respect to the base via the second movement sub-system about the longitudinal axis between the first extended state and a second extended state, which is angularly offset from the first extended state.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm with a rear sight assembly and a front sight assembly coupled thereto in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing the sight assemblies in a folded state;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the front sight assembly in area IA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the firearm of FIG. I, showing the rear and front sight assemblies in a first extended state;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the front sight assembly in area IIA of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the firearm of FIG. 1, showing the rear and front sight assemblies in a second extended state;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the front sight assembly in area IIIA of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the front sight assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the rear sight assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the front sight assembly in the folded state;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the front sight assembly in the first extended state;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the front sight assembly in the second extended state;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the rear sight assembly in the folded state;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the rear sight assembly in the first extended state;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the rear sight assembly in the second extended state;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective partially cut-away view of the front sight assembly illustrating a first movement sub-system that facilitates movement of the front sight assembly between the folded state and the first extended state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a side perspective partially cut-away view of the front sight assembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a partial view of the front sight assembly in the folded state illustrating the positioning of the first movement sub-system;

FIG. 8D is a partial view of the front sight assembly in the first extended state illustrating the positioning of the first movement sub-system;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective partially cut-away view of the front sight assembly illustrating a second movement sub-system that facilitates movement of the front sight assembly between the first and second extended states in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a partial view of the front sight assembly in the first extended state illustrating the positioning of the second movement sub-system;

FIG. 9C is a partial view of the front sight assembly in the second extended state illustrating the positioning of the second movement sub-system;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a front sight assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing the front sight assembly in the first extended position;

FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the front sight assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a rear sight assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing the rear sight assembly in the second extended position;

FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the rear sight assembly illustrated in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the front sight assembly illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B taken along line 12-12, showing a pivot of a second movement sub-system in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a first partial cross-sectional view of the front sight assembly illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, showing a locking and release feature of the second movement sub-system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a firearm 10 is illustrated with a front sight assembly 100 and a rear sight assembly 200 coupled thereto in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplified embodiment, the firearm 10 is depicted as a rifle. However, the invention is not to be so limited and the firearm 10 may be any other type of firearm, such as a handgun, a long gun, a shotgun, or the like. Furthermore, in some embodiments the front sight assembly 100 and the rear sight assembly 200 may be mounted on a device that is not a firearm but that requires aiming assistance capabilities, such as surveying equipment or the like. The firearm 10 generally comprises a grip 13, a trigger 14, a barrel 12, and a muzzle 11. The barrel 12 of the firearm 10 extends along a first longitudinal axis A-A.

When mounted to the firearm 10 as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 assist with aiming of the firearm 10 in a known manner. Specifically, the rear sight assembly 200 includes an aperture and the front sight assembly 100 includes an aiming pin (i.e., a sight post). The rear sight assembly 200 is positioned on the firearm 10 in a position closer to the user and near the grip 13 and trigger 14 and the front sight assembly 100 is positioned on the firearm in a position further from the user and near the muzzle 11 of the firearm 10. In the exemplified embodiment, during aiming a user looks through the aperture in the rear sight assembly 200 and locates the sight post of the front sight assembly 100 within the user's line of vision through the aperture. The user then aligns the aperture of the rear sight assembly 200 and sight post of the front sight assembly 100 with the target. When all are in proper alignment, the user fires the firearm 10 to hit the target.

The front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 of the present invention differ from conventional firearm sights in that they have multiple directions of movement. Specifically, each of the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 is capable of rotating about at least two different axes of rotation. In that regard, the front sight assembly 100 generally comprises a base 101, a sight pivot 102, and a front post 103. The sight pivot 102 is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis A-A or an axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis A-A of the firearm. Rotating the sight pivot 102 about the first longitudinal axis A-A or an axis parallel thereto also results in the front post 103 rotating in the same manner. The front post 103 is further rotatable about an axis B-B that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis A-A of the firearm.

Similarly, the rear sight assembly 200 generally comprises a base 201, a sight pivot 202, and a sight post 203. The sight pivot 202 is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis A-A or an axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis A-A of the firearm. Rotating the sight pivot 202 about the first longitudinal axis A-A or an axis parallel thereto also results in the sight post 203 rotating in the same manner. The sight post 203 is also rotatable about an axis C-C that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis A-A of the firearm 10. The details of the components of the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 1 and 1A depict the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 in a folded state. In this state, the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are folded downwardly so that the sight posts 103, 203 lie adjacent to or against the top surface of the barrel 12 of the firearm 10. The folded state may also be considered a collapsed state such that the axes of the posts are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. In the folded state, the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 cannot be used because the sight post of the front sight assembly 100 cannot be viewed through the aperture of the rear sight assembly 200. The front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 may be positioned into the folded state when their use is not needed. Thus, in the folded state the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are out of the user's line of sight and will not be a distraction to a user attempting to use the firearm 10 without the assistance of the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200. The folding state depicted in FIGS. 1 and 1A enables the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 to be out of the user's viewing line without necessitating their removal from the firearm 10.

FIGS. 2 and 2A depict the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 in a first extended state. The first extended state may also be considered an upwardly extended state. In this state, the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 is rotated about the axis B-B and the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 is rotated about the axis C-C. In the first extended state, the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are upright in a first use state in which the user can view and aim at a target through the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 with the firearm 10 in a normal firing position. Specifically, in the first extended state a second longitudinal axis E-E extending through the sight post 103 of the front sight assembly 103 and a third longitudinal axis F-F extending through the front post 203 of the rear sight assembly 104 are substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis A-A and are parallel to (or located on) a plane that includes the first longitudinal axis A-A and that extends from the top surface of the barrel 12 to the bottom surface of the barrel 12.

FIGS. 3 and 3A depict the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 in a second extended state. The second extended state may also be considered an upwardly and outwardly extended state. The front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 may be placed into the second extended state when they are mounted to a firearm that also has a telescopic scope or other device thereon that would block the user's ability to use the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 in the first extended state. Thus, in the second extended state the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are offset from the barrel 12 of the firearm 10 so that the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 can be used even with a telescopic sight or other device mounted to the barrel 12 of the firearm 10.

In the second extended state, the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 and the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 are rotated about the first longitudinal axis A-A or an axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis A-A. Thus, in the second extended state the front post 103 extends from the sight pivot 102 and from the barrel 12 of the firearm 10 at an angle. Stated another way, the axes E-E, F-F extending through the sight posts 103, 203 intersect the plane that includes the first longitudinal axis A-A and that extends through the barrel 12 from the top surface of the barrel 12 to the bottom surface of the barrel 12 at an angle. The angle may be between 30° and 60°, more specifically between 40° and 50°, and still more specifically approximately 45°. In still other embodiments, the angle may be between 50° and 80°, more specifically between 60° and 70°, and still more specifically approximately 65°. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the sight post 103 of the front sight assembly 103 and the front post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 are rotated about the longitudinal axis A-A by approximately 45° when going from the first extended state to the second extended state, and vice versa. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the angle can be outside of the ranges provided herein in some embodiments. When in the second extended state, the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 may be considered to be in an offset position or orientation.

When the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are in the second extended state, the firearm 10 is rotated about the first longitudinal axis A-A before the user aims and fires the firearm 10 for proper aiming. Specifically, in order to accurately use the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 in the second extended state, the firearm 10 is rotated about the first longitudinal axis A-A so that the sight posts 103, 203 extend in a direction normal (or perpendicular) to a plane formed by the horizontal ground surface upon which the user is standing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the details of the front sight assembly 100 will be described. The front sight assembly 100 generally comprises the base 101, the sight pivot 102, the front post 103, a clamp 105, and a sight block 106. The clamp 105 is clamped against the base 101 with a fastening element 107 to mount the front sight assembly 100 to the firearm 10. Specifically, the clamp 105 and a bottom of the base 101 collectively forms a receiving cavity 109 for receiving a portion of the barrel 12 of the firearm 10 to which the front sight assembly 100 is coupled. In certain exemplified embodiments, the front sight assembly 100 mounts to picatinny style rails of a firearm, although other mounting techniques and mounting locations are possible in other embodiments. When assembled, the sight block 106 is positioned within the base 101 and coupled thereto using a slotted spring pin 108 or other fastening element. The front post 103 comprises a sight post 118, a sight detent 119, and a sight spring 120 which function in a manner which would be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Furthermore, the front sight assembly 100 comprises a first movement sub-system 110 that facilitates movement of the front sight assembly 100 between the folded state and the first extended state, and a second movement sub-system 130 that facilitates movement of the front sight assembly 100 between the first and second extended states. In the exemplified embodiment, the first movement sub-system 110 generally comprises a first spring 111 a, a second spring 111 b, a first ball 112 mounted to an end of the first spring 111 a, a second ball 112 b mounted to an end of the second spring 111 b, and first and second detents 113 a, 113 b formed into an outer surface of the front post 103. In the exemplified embodiment, the first movement sub-system 110 preferably comprises two of the springs 111 a, 111 b and two of the balls 112 a, 112 b (one ball 112 a, 112 b mounted to each of the springs 111 a, 111 b). However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and a single spring or more than two springs can be used in other embodiments. For example, a single spring 111 and a single ball 112 may be used, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

The second movement sub-system 130 generally comprises a first spring 131 a, a second spring 131 b, a first ball 132 a mounted to an end of the first spring 131 a and a second ball 131 b mounted to an end of the second spring 131 b, and four detents 133 a-d (depicted and visible in FIGS. 9A-9C) formed into an outer surface of the sight pivot 102. Of course, more or less than two springs 131 a, 131 b, more or less than two balls 132 a, 132 b, and more or less than four detents 133 a-d can be used in other embodiments. The location of the four detents 133 a-d is denoted in FIG. 4 for ease of understanding of operation of the device despite the four detents 133 a-d not being visible in FIG. 4.

In the assembled front sight assembly 100, the sight pivot 102 is positioned within a cavity 129 of the sight block 106 so that the balls 132 a, 132 b are aligned with and positioned within one of the detents 133 a-d. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7B, 7C, and 9A-9C, the sight pivot 102 can rotate about the first longitudinal axis A-A and the balls 132 a, 132 b will be removed from one set of the detents 133 a-d and enter into another set of the detents 133 a-d to transition the front post 103 between the first and second extended states. A retaining ring 116 that is coupled to the sight pivot 102 retains the sight pivot 102 within the sight block 106 and prevents the sight pivot 102 from being slid out of/removed from the cavity 129 of the sight block 106.

Furthermore, the front post 103 is movably or rotatably coupled to the sight pivot 102 via a spring pin 117 or other fastening element. The front post 103 is coupled to the sight pivot 102 so that the balls 112 a, 112 b are aligned with and positioned within one of the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7B, 7C, and 8A-8D, the front post 103 can rotate about the axis B-B and the balls 112 a, 112 b will be removed from one of the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b and enter into the other one of the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b to transition the front post 103 between the folded state and the first extended state.

Referring to FIG. 5, the rear sight assembly 200 will be described. The rear sight assembly 200 has generally the same components as the front sight assembly 100, and features of the rear sight assembly 200 that are similar to features of the front sight assembly 100 will be similarly numbered except the 200-series of numbers will be used. Certain features of the rear sight assembly 200 will be numbered in FIG. 5 but not described. For such features it should be appreciated that the description above with regard to the positioning and functionality of the similar components of the front sight assembly 100 applies.

The rear sight assembly 200 generally comprises the base 201, the sight pivot 202, the sight post 203, a clamp 205, a sight block 206, and a viewing element 221. The clamp 205 and fastening element 207 function in much the same way as the similar features of the front sight assembly 100 to mount the rear sight assembly 200 to the firearm 10. In certain embodiments the rear sight assembly 200 may be mounted to picatinny style rails of a firearm, although other mounting techniques and mounting locations are possible in other embodiments. Furthermore, when assembled the sight block 206 is positioned within the base 201 and coupled thereto using a slotted spring pin 208 or other fastening element. The viewing element 221 comprises a first aperture 222 and a second aperture 223. In certain embodiments the first and second apertures 222, 223 may have different diameters. During use of the sight assemblies 100, 200 to aim the firearm 10, one of the apertures 222, 223 is aligned with the sight post 118 of the front sight assembly 100. The specific one of the first and second apertures 222, 223 that is used during aiming can be modified by rotating the viewing element 221 about an axis D-D. Specifically, a spring 224 and ball 225 are positioned within a detent 226 when it is desired to use the first aperture 222. The viewing element is rotated approximately 180° so that the spring 224 and ball 225 are positioned within a detent 227 when it is desired to use the second aperture 223.

The rear sight assembly 200 comprises a first movement sub-system 210 that facilitates movement of the rear sight assembly 200 between the folded state and the first extended state, and a second movement sub-system 230 that facilitates movement of the rear sight assembly 200 between the first and second extended states. In the exemplified embodiment, the first movement sub-system 210 generally comprises a first spring 211 a, a second spring 211 b, a first ball 212 mounted to an end of the first spring 211 a, a second ball 212 b mounted to an end of the second spring 211 b, and first and second detents 213 a, 213 b formed into an outer surface of the sight post 203. In the exemplified embodiment, the first movement sub-system 210 comprises two of the springs 211 a, 211 b and two of the balls 212 a, 212 b (one ball 212 a, 212 b mounted to each of the springs 211 a, 211 b). However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and a single spring or more than two springs can be used in other embodiments.

The second movement sub-system 230 generally comprises a first spring 231 a, a second spring 231 b, a first ball 232 a mounted to an end of the first spring 231 a and a second ball 231 b mounted to an end of the second spring 231 b, and four detents 233 a-d formed into an outer surface of the sight pivot 202. The location of the four detents 233 a-d is denoted in FIG. 5 despite the four detents 233 a-d not being visible in FIG. 5 for ease of understanding of operation of the device.

In the assembled rear sight assembly 200, the sight pivot 202 is positioned within a cavity 229 of the sight block 206 so that the balls 232 a, 232 b are aligned with and positioned within one of the detents 233 a-d. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6B-6C, 7B, 7C, and 9A-9C, the sight pivot 202 can rotate about the first longitudinal axis A-A and the balls 232 a, 232 b will be removed from one set of the detents 233 a-d and enter into another set of the detents 233 a-d to transition the sight post 203 between the first and second extended states. A retaining ring 216 that is coupled to the sight pivot 202 retains the sight pivot 202 within the sight block 206 and prevents the sight pivot 202 from being slid out of removed from the cavity 229 of the sight block 206.

Furthermore, the sight post 203 is movably or rotatably coupled to the sight pivot 202 via a spring pin 217 or other fastening element. The sight post 203 is coupled to the sight pivot 202 so that the balls 212 a, 212 b are aligned with and positioned within one of the first and second detents 213 a, 213 b. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8A-8D, the sight post 203 can rotate about the axis C-C and the balls 212 a, 212 b will be removed from one of the first and second detents 213 a, 213 b and enter into the other one of the first and second detents 213 a, 213 b to transition the sight post 203 between the folded state and the first extended state. Thus, the function and movement of the components of the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are substantially identical to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8A-8D concurrently, movement of the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 about the axis B-B and movement of the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 about the axis C-C will be described (i.e., movement of the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 between the folded state and the first extended state). Although FIGS. 8A-8D only depict the front sight assembly 100, it should be appreciated that in the exemplified embodiment the internal details that facilitate movement of the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 is identical to that which is depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D. Thus, the description with regard to FIGS. 8A-8D applies equally to the movement of the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 about the axis B-B and the movement of the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 about the axis C-C.

FIGS. 6A and 7A respectively illustrate the first and second sight assemblies 100, 200 in the folded state. FIGS. 6B and 7B respectively illustrate the first and second sight assemblies 100, 200 in the first extended state. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the front sight assembly 100 in the folded state, and FIG. 8D illustrates the front sight assembly 100 in the first extended state. In the folded state, the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 and the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly extend along the longitudinal axis A-A. Thus, in the folded state the second and third longitudinal axes E-E, F-F are coincident with or parallel to the first longitudinal axis A-A. In the first extended state, the second and third longitudinal axes E-E, F-F are substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis A-A. Again, although FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the front sight assembly 100 and although the invention will be described below with regard to the movement of the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 about the axis B-B, the description equally applies to the movement of the sight post 203 of the rear sight assembly 200 about the axis C-C.

The front post 103 of the sight assembly 100 comprises a body portion 140 extending from a proximal end 141 to a distal end 142. Furthermore, the front post 103 of the sight assembly 100 comprises a protruding element 143 extending from the proximal end 141 of the body portion 140. The protruding element 143 has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile such that it has a rounded end located furthest from the proximal end 141 of the body portion 140.

As can be seen in the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b of the first movement sub-system 110 is formed into the protruding element 143 of the front post 103. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b are elongated channels or indentations that are formed into the protruding element 143 of the front post 103 and that extend from opposing side edges of the protruding element 143 of the front post 103. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b can take on shapes other than that depicted in the figures, such as being circular indents, square indents, or the like. Furthermore, although the exemplified embodiment illustrates first and second detents 113 a, 113 b being indentations formed into the protruding element 143, in alternative embodiments the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b may be protrusions, protuberances, ridges, or the like extending from the protruding element 143 of the front post 103. Regardless of the shape and exact structure of the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b, the first and second detents 113 a, 113 b cooperate with the ball and spring 111, 112 of the first movement sub-system 110 to facilitate movement of the front post 103 about the axis B-B.

Specifically, as noted above FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 in the folded state. In the folded state, the ball 112 (or balls if more than one spring/ball are used such as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5) is positioned within the second detent 113 b, which is located at the distal-most end of the protruding element 143 of the front post 103. When the ball 112 is positioned within the second detent 113 b, the front post 103 extends straight out from the spring 111 and ball 112 along the first longitudinal axis A-A. Furthermore, the ball 112 is not removed from the second detent 113 b without some type of user force that results in the ball 112 corning free from the second detent 113 b and rolling along the outer surface of the protruding element 143 of the front post 103. Specifically, a user can grab the front post 103 and rotate the front post 103 about the axis B-B in the direction of the arrow D3 so that the ball 112 comes out of the second detent 113 b, slides along the outer surface of the protruding element 143, and enters into the first detent 113 a. (see FIG. 8D). As can be appreciated, the spring 111 assists with the movement of the ball 112 into and out of the detents 113 a, 113 b. In certain embodiments, mechanisms for movement can be incorporated into the device to automate or semi-automate the movements noted herein rather than requiring the user to exert physical force.

When the ball 112 is located within the first detent 113 a, the front post 103 of the front sight assembly 100 is in the first extended position such the second longitudinal axis E-E extending through the front post 103 from the proximal to distal ends 141, 142 of the front post 140 is oriented at a substantially normal or perpendicular angle relative to the first longitudinal axis A-A (see FIGS. 2, 2A, 6B, 7B, and 8D). Of course, the location of the first detent 113 a can be changed in order to change the angle between the second longitudinal axis E-E extending through the front post 103 and the first longitudinal axis A-A as can be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, although in the exemplified embodiment only two detents 113 a, 113 b are used, more than two detents can be used in other embodiments in order to provide additional stop positions for the front post 103 in its movement about the axis B-B (or movement of the sight post 203 in its movement about the axis C-C).

Referring to FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7B, 7C, and 9A-9C, movement of the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 from the first extended state to the second extended state will be described. As noted above, the second movement sub-system 130 comprises the springs 131 a, 131 b, the balls 132 a, 132 b, and the detents 133 a-d (first detent 133 a, second detent 133 b, third detent 133 c, and fourth detent 133 d). In the exemplified embodiment, each of the detents 133 a-d is an indent, groove, channel, or cutout that is formed into a rear surface 148 of the sight pivot 102. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment each of the detents 133 a-d is a circular shaped indent that is similar in shape to an outer surface of the balls 132 a, 132 b. Of course, the shape of the detents 133 a-d is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other shapes can be used. Furthermore, the detents 133 a-d can be protrusions or ridges instead of indents so long as the detents 133 a-d work in a coordinated fashion with the springs and balls 131 a,b 132 a,b to facilitate rotation of the sight pivot 102 about the axis A-A. The detents 133 a-d are spaced apart along a periphery of the rear surface 138 of the sight pivot 102 so that the first and second detents 133 a, 133 b are 180° apart and the third and fourth detents 133 c, 133 d are 180° apart from one another.

When the sight pivot 102 is in the first extended state, the balls 132 a, 132 b are positioned within the first and second detents 133 a, 133 b leaving the third and fourth detents 133 c, 133 d free (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). When the sight pivot 102 is in the second extended state, the balls 132 a, 132 b are positioned within the third and fourth detents 133 c, 133 d leaving the first and second detents 133 a, 133 b free (see FIG. 9C). Movement from the first extended state to the second extended state requires a user to rotate the sight pivot 102 (which can be achieved in some embodiments by moving the front post 103) in a first rotational direction D1 relative to the axis A-A with sufficient force so that the balls 132 a, 132 h become removed from the first and second detents 133 a, 133 b, move along the rear surface 148 of the sight pivot 102, and enter into the third and fourth detents 133 c, 133 d. Furthermore, movement from the second extended state back to the first extended state requires a user to rotate the sight pivot 102 (which can be achieved in some embodiments by moving the front post 103) in a second rotational direction D2 (opposite the first rotational direction D1) relative to the axis A-A with sufficient force so that the balls 132 a, 132 b become removed from the third and fourth detents 133 c, 133 d, move along the rear surface 148 of the sight pivot 102, and enter into the first and second detents 133 a, 133 b. As can be appreciated, the springs 131 a, 131 b assist with movement of the balls 132 a, 132 b into and out of the detents 133 a-d.

Although four detents 133 a-d are illustrated with two stop positions (one with the balls 132 a,b in the first and second detents 133 a, 133 b and one with the balls 132 a, 132 b in the third and fourth detents 133 c, 133 d) additional stop positions can be created by adding additional detents, by using a single spring and ball with multiple detents, or the like. In certain embodiments when the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are in the first extended position, the axes E-E, F-F are oriented at a substantially 90° angle relative to the axis A-A (see FIG. 9B). Furthermore, in certain embodiments when the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are in the second extended position, the axes E-E, F-F are oriented at a substantially 45° angle relative to the axis A-A (see FIG. 9C). Of course, the second extended position can include angles other than 45°, such as between 20-70°, more specifically between 30-60°, or even more specifically between 40-50°. In still other embodiments, the angle may be between 50° and 80°, more specifically between 60° and 70°, and still more specifically approximately 65°.

Thus, the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 of the present invention are capable of movement from a folded state to a first extended state, and from the first extended state to a second extended state. In the folded state the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are out of the user's vision line and thus cannot be used for aiming. In the first extended state the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 extend upwardly and perpendicularly from the barrel 12 of the firearm 10 and are used in a normal manner. In the second extended state the front and rear sight assemblies 100, 200 are oriented in an offset manner relative to the barrel 12 of the firearm 10 so that they can be used while a telescopic scope remains on the firearm 10 for easy transition between long range and short range targets, or the like. Thus, rather than having only the functionality of a traditional sight assembly or only having the functionality of an offset sight assembly, the present invention allows for both and facilitates an easy transition between the three states of the sight assemblies 100, 200. The structure and design of the front and rear assemblies 100 and 200 is configured to optimize speed in transition between the three states.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12, and 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the front and rear assemblies 100′ and 200′. The assemblies 100′ and 200′ of the second embodiment are the same as the assemblies 100 and 200 of the first embodiment, except that the second movement sub-system 130′ and 230′ has been modified. Thus, the same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B illustrating the second embodiment for the same components of the first embodiment. The second movement sub-system 130′ optimizes durability and ruggedness of the assemblies when moving the post in various orientations. That is generally accomplished by a locking and release feature that holds the post in a desired state until released and moved to another desired state.

The front and rear assemblies 100′ and 200′ of the second embodiment each include a base 101′ and 201′, a pivot 102′ and 202′, and a post 103 and 203. The posts of the second embodiment are the same as the posts of the first embodiment and therefore are not described in detail. Also, in the second embodiment, the posts 103 and 203 are coupled to the pivots 102′ and 202′ via the first movement sub-system 110 and 210 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, for the front assembly 100′, at least one spring 111 a or 111 b and at least one ball 112 a or 112 b are supported by the pivot 102′ where the ball 112 a or 112 b engages the detents 113 a and 113 b formed at the end of the post 103 when pivoting the post 103 from the folded state to the first extended state about pin 117. Similarly for the rear assembly 200′, the first movement sub-system 210 includes at least one spring 211 a or 211 b and at least one ball 212 a or 212 b supported by the pivot 202′ where the ball 212 a or 212 b engages the detents 213 a and 213 b formed at the end of the post 203 when pivoting the post 203 from the folded state to the first extended state about pin 217.

The second movement sub-system 130′ of the front assembly 100′ includes a modified pivot 102′ and modified base 101′, and the block 106 of the first embodiment is eliminated. The second movement sub-system 230′ of the rear assembly 200′ likewise includes a modified pivot 202′ and modified base 201′, and the block 206 of the first embodiment is eliminated. Pivot 102′ of the front assembly 100′ includes an extended body portion 150 that is received in a central bore 152 of the base 101′. A retaining pin 160 couples the pivot 102′ to the base 101′. Pivot 202′ of the rear assembly 200′ also includes an extended body portion 250 that is received in a central bore 252 of the base 201′. A retaining pin 260 couples the pivot 202′ to the base 201′. Because the second movement sub-systems 130′ and 230′ operate in the same manner, only the second movement sub-system 130′ for the front assembly 100′ will be described. One skilled in the art would recognize that the same description applies to the second movement sub-system 230′ of the rear assembly 200′.

The second movement sub-system 130′ includes a plurality of grooves 154, 156, and 158 formed inside of the extended body portion 150, as seen in FIG. 12, that are each sized to receive the retaining pin 160. An access opening 162 extends through the pivot's extended body portion 150 to receive the retaining pin 160 and allow the retaining pin 160 to move between the grooves 154, 156, and 158. The retaining pin 160 extends through the sides of the base 101′, into the base's bore 152, and into the access opening 162 of the pivot 102′ to be received in one of the grooves 154, 156, and 158. The grooves 154, 156 and 158 represent different possible states or orientations for the post 103. For example, groove 154 may correspond to the first extended state of the post 103. That is, when the post 103 is moved to the first extended state from the folded state via the first movement sub-system 130, the retaining pin 160 will engage groove 154. Grooves 156 and 158 may correspond to optional second extended states of the post 103. That is, once the post 103 is moved to the first extended state, the pivot 102′ may be rotated with respect to the base 101′ such that the retaining pin disengages the groove 154 and engages either groove 156 or 158, thereby moving the post to the second extended state. Grooves 156 and 158 thus represent different second extended states to which the post 103 may be moved or oriented as desired. The grooves 156 and 158 are preferably angularly oriented with respect to one another, as seen in FIG. 12, such that in these second extended states, the post defines an axis that is angled with respect to a plane including the longitudinal axis A-A, similar to the second extended state of the first embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, if the groove 154 is oriented at zero degrees (representing the first extended state), then the groove 156 is oriented at +65 degrees with respect to groove 154 and the groove 158 is oriented at −65 degrees. Although three grooves/positions are preferred, any number of grooves may be provided in the pivot 102′ to receive the pin 160 and allow the post to be oriented in different second extended states, as long as at least two grooves are provided allowing the post to move between a first extended state to a second extended state.

To ensure that the retaining pin 160 remains in its selected groove 154, 156, or 158, a locking and release feature is provided. The locking and release feature may include a biasing member, such as a compression spring 164. The spring 164 is preferably located between an outer surface 166 at the end of the pivot's extended body portion 150 and an inner surface 168 of the base's inner bore 152, as seen in FIG. 13. The pivot 102′ can move axially in the inner bore 152 of the base 101′ between locked and unlocked positions and the spring 164 biases the pivot 102′ in the locked position. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the retaining pin 160 is disengaged from one groove, such as groove 154, by pushing the pivot 102′ against the bias of the spring 164 until the pin 160 is received in the access opening 162. Upon rotation of the pivot 102′ with respect to the base 101′, the retaining pin 160 then be received in another groove, such as groove 156. Release of the pivot 102′ allows the spring 164 to retain the pin 160 in groove 156 until the process is repeated. Thus, the post will remain in its selected orientation until manually released and moved to another position.

While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that various combinations of the features depicted in the different views may be possible in some non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. 

1. A sight assembly comprising: a post, said post being configured for aiming the firearm; said post being rotatably coupled to a pivot, thereby forming a first movement sub-system; and said pivot being rotatably coupled to a base, thereby forming a second movement sub-system, wherein said first movement sub-system allows said post to rotate with respect to said pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm between a folded state and a first extended state, and said second movement sub-system allows said post and pivot to rotate with respect to said base about said longitudinal axis between said first extended state and a second extended state different from said first extended state.
 2. The sight assembly according to claim 1, wherein in said folded state, said post defines an axis that is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 3. The sight assembly according to claim 2, wherein in said first extended state, said post defines an defines axis that is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
 4. The sight assembly according to claim 3, wherein in said second extended state, said post defines an axis that is angled with respect to a plane including said longitudinal axis.
 5. The sight assembly according to claim 4, wherein in said second extended state, said axis of said post is angled between 30 and 80 degrees with respect to said plane including said longitudinal axis.
 6. The sight assembly according to claim 4, wherein in said second extended state, said axis of said post is angled at 65 degrees with respect to said plane including said longitudinal axis.
 7. The sight assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first movement sub-system includes at least one spring and at least one ball supported by said pivot, and at least first and second detents formed in said post each configured to engage said at least one ball, said first and second detents are spaced from one another such that said first detent corresponds to said folded state and said second detent corresponds to said first extended state.
 8. The sight assembly according to claim 7, wherein said second movement sub-system includes at least one spring and at least one ball supported by said base, and at least first and second detents formed in a block rotatably coupled to said base, each of said first and second detents is configured to engage said at least one ball, said first and second detents are spaced from one another such that said first detent corresponds to said first extended state and said second detent corresponds to said second extended state.
 9. The sight assembly according to claim 7, wherein said second movement sub-system includes a retaining pin supported by said base, and at least first and second grooves formed inside of said pivot each configured to engage said retaining pin, said first and second grooves are angled with respect to one another such that said first groove corresponds to said first extended state and said second groove corresponds to said second extended state.
 10. The sight assembly according to claim 9, wherein said pivot includes a third groove angled with respect to said first and second grooves.
 11. The sight assembly according to claim 9, wherein said second movement sub-system includes a biasing member disposed between an end of said pivot and an inner surface of said base; and said pivot is axially movable with respect to said base between a locked position in which said retaining pin is received in one of said at least first and second grooves and unlocked position in which said retaining pin is disengaged from said at least first and second grooves, said biasing member biasing said pivot in said locked position.
 12. The sight assembly according to claim 11, wherein said biasing member is a compression spring.
 13. The sight assembly according to claim 1, wherein said post includes an aiming pin or an aperture.
 14. A method of orienting a sight assembly for a firearm, comprising the steps of: providing a sight assembly including a post, the post being configured for aiming the firearm, the post being rotatably coupled to a pivot, thereby forming a first movement sub-system, and the pivot being rotatably coupled to a base, thereby forming a second movement sub-system; rotating the post with respect to the pivot via the first movement sub-system about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm between a folded state, in which an axis of the post is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a first extended state, in which an axis of the post is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and rotating the post and the pivot with respect to the base via the second movement sub-system about the longitudinal axis between the first extended state and a second extended state, which is angularly offset from the first extended state.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first movement sub-system includes at least one spring and at least one ball supported by the pivot, and at least first and second detents formed in the post each configured to engage the at least one ball, and said first and second detents are spaced from one another such that when the post is rotated with respect to the pivot from the folded state to the first extended state, the at least one ball disengages from the first detent and engages the second detent.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second movement sub-system includes at least one spring and at least one ball supported by the base, and at least first and second detents formed in a block rotatably coupled to the base, each of the first and second detents is configured to engage the at least one ball, and the first and second detents are spaced from one another such that when the post and the pivot are rotated with respect to the base between the first extended state and the second extended state, the at least one ball disengages from the first detent and engages said second detent.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second movement sub-system includes a retaining pin supported by the base, and at least first and second grooves formed inside of the pivot each configured to engage the retaining pin, and the first and second grooves are angled with respect to one another such that when the post and the pivot are rotated with respect to the base, the retaining pin disengages the first groove and engages the second groove.
 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of moving the pivot axially with respect to the base between a locked position in which the retaining pin is received in one of the first and second grooves and an unlocked position in which the retaining pin is disengaged from the first and second grooves.
 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of biasing the pivot in the locked position.
 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein a third groove is provided in the pivot that is angled with respect to the first and second grooves such that when the post and the pivot are rotated with respect to the basem the retaining pin disengages either of the first and second grooves and engages the third groove. 